Director Future Students

Lincoln University; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Six weeks paid leave

Annual salary reviews

Eye tests & prescription eyewear

Wellbeing support (EAP)

Southern Cross benefits

On-campus gym access

Staff discounts at campus facilities

Job summary

Lincoln University is seeking a senior leader to head the end-to-end student recruitment, admissions, marketing and scholarship functions. Based at the Lincoln Campus, the role oversees the full pipeline from first engagement through enrolment, with responsibility for domestic and international markets and a high-performing team.

You will use data and forecasting to inform strategy, manage budgets, and strengthen partnerships with faculties, agents and external partners while championing

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in student recruitment, admissions, marketing or a related field.
• Proven track record delivering recruitment, conversion and growth outcomes in a complex organisation.
• Experience leading integrated recruitment and admissions functions with accountability across the full student pipeline.
• Strong analytical capability and experience using CRM and student management systems to drive data-informed decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget management, strategic planning and performance leadership.
• Alignment with Manaakitaka and Lincoln University values.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end student recruitment, admissions, marketing and scholarship functions to grow enrolments and drive conversion.
• Oversee Domestic and International Recruitment, Admissions & Enrolments, Marketing and Scholarships.
• Provide strategic leadership across the student recruitment pipeline from first engagement to enrolment.
• Use data and market insights to forecast and improve recruitment outcomes and inform planning.
• Build and maintain relationships with faculties, schools, agents and external partners.
• Develop and lead a high-performing team focused on recruitment, marketing and conversion success.

Skills

Leadership

Student recruitment

Admissions management

Marketing strategy

Data analytics

CRM experience

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting & financial acumen

Tools

CRM

Student management system

Job description

Lead the end-to-end student recruitment, admissions, marketing and scholarship functions to grow enrolments and drive student conversion.

Based in our Future Students division, this pivotal leadership role is responsible for overseeing Lincoln University's student recruitment and admissions pipeline, from first engagement through to enrolment.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Life, you will provide strategic leadership across Domestic Recruitment, International Recruitment, Admissions & Enrolments, Marketing and Scholarships, creating a seamless student journey and driving recruitment growth across domestic and international markets.

Some tasks of the role include:

• Leading the end-to-end student recruitment, admissions and conversion strategy.
• Driving domestic and international enrolment growth and EFTS performance.
• Overseeing marketing, recruitment, admissions and scholarship activities within a single integrated pipeline.
• Using data, market intelligence and forecasting to improve recruitment outcomes and inform strategic planning.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with faculties, schools, agents, pathway providers and external partners.
• Leading and developing a high-performing team focused on student recruitment, marketing, admissions and conversion success.

Working collaboratively across the University, you will use data, market insights and innovative recruitment strategies to achieve enrolment targets, strengthen the student experience and contribute directly to Lincoln University's long-term sustainability and success.

This permanent role is based at our Lincoln Campus and works 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE).

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in student recruitment, admissions, marketing or a related field.
• A proven track record delivering recruitment, conversion and growth outcomes in a complex organisation.
• Experience leading integrated recruitment and admissions functions with accountability across the full student pipeline.
• Strong analytical capability and experience using CRM and student management systems to drive data-informed decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget management, strategic planning and performance leadership.
• Alignment with Manaakitaka and Lincoln University values.

Join a supportive, inclusive community that values diversity, wellbeing, and professional growth. Benefits include:

• Professional development & mentorship to grow your career
• Generous leave entitlements - six weeks of paid leave per year (based on 1.0 FTE)
• Annual salary reviews to recognise your contribution
• Contributions toward eye tests and prescription eyewear
• Free, confidential wellbeing support through Clearhead (EAP)
• Southern Cross employee benefits
• Access to on-campus gym with discounted membership
• On-site early childhood centre with staff discounts
• A vibrant campus lifestyle with cafés, green spaces, and a sense of community

Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University is a specialist institution dedicated to impactful research and higher education that supports land-based industries in New Zealand and globally.

Our campus sits at the heart of the Lincoln research precinct, complemented by university-owned farms and research stations that blend education, research, and hands-on learning. At Lincoln, students are at the heart of everything we do, empower them to grow their potential and contribute to a more sustainably productive world through world-class teaching and research.

As a progressive university with an ambitious vision, we value a professional workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. Our staff engage with students, parents, government, iwi, and external stakeholders, upholding Lincoln University’s reputation through their work.

Our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments begin with mana whenua. We honour our special relationship with Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and Te Taumutu Rūnanga, embedded in our He Tūtohinga Whakamātau | Charter of Understanding.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and supported, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We are only considering applicants who have current unrestricted legal working rights in New Zealand. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.